Method for the selection of a new detector module for x-ray computer tomography

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a method for selection of a new detector module as replacement for a detector module built in to a detector of an X-ray computer tomograph, comprising the following steps: a) production of the detector module, using component ( 5 ) with a unique electronically-stored code, b) generation of a data set containing the essential parameters of each detector module with reference to the code of each detector module, c) storage of the data set and the code in an electronic databank, d) electronic reading of the code of the detector module for exchange and comparison of the relevant stored data set with the data sets for new detector modules and e) selection of a new detector module according to set selection criteria.

[0001] This application is the national phase under 35 U.S.C. § 371 ofPCT International Application No. PCT/DE02/02854 which has anInternational filing date of Aug. 2, 2002, which designated the UnitedStates of America and which claims priority on German Patent Applicationnumber DE 101 38 922.1 filed Aug. 8, 2001, the entire contents of whichare hereby incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The invention generally relates to a method for selecting a newdetector module. More preferably, it relates to a method for selectingone as a replacement for a detector module installed in a detector in anX-ray computer tomograph.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] DE 195 02 574 A1 discloses a detector having a plurality ofparallel detector lines which run in the direction of the axis of anobject which is to be X-rayed, e.g. a patient. A plurality of detectorlines can be in the form of an installation unit or in the form of adetector module. In this case, a printed circuit board holds a sensorarray formed from a multiplicity of sensor elements.

[0004] The detector modules have different properties, depending ontheir manufacture. By way of example, the persistence and the drift ofthe scintillator elements used may vary. In order to provide a detectorhaving the highest possible quality, it is designed using previouslyselected detector modules having properties which are as similar aspossible.

[0005] To select the detector modules, they are first labeled manuallyor are provided with a bar code sticker. In addition, a database iscreated which stores the fundamental characteristics of the detectormodule in a data record under the respective identifier attached.

[0006] If a detector module in a detector needs to be replaced with anew detector module, it has previously been necessary to open thedetector housing and to read off the often poorly accessible identifierattached to the respective detector module. The identifier and thepreviously created database are then used to select a suitable newdetector module, which is substituted at the subsequent time in a secondrepair step for the detector module which is to be replaced.

[0007] The known method is disadvantageous in many respects: whendetector modules are labeled manually, they may become damaged. Untilthe detector modules have been provided with an identifier, there is therisk of their being mixed up. Reading off identifiers on installeddetector modules requires the detector housing to be opened. Replacing adetector module necessitates further time-consuming action in thecomputer tomographs. Finally, the identifier used in line with the priorart can be forged. Detector modules can be duplicated without themanufacturer's authorization.

[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 5,994,770 discloses a component for storing datafor identifying products. The known component can be read outelectronically.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] It is an object of an embodiment of the invention to reduce oreven eliminate the drawbacks based on the prior art. In particular, theaim is to specify a method which allows simplified and rapid replacementof detector modules with suitable new detector modules in a detector inan X-ray computer tomograph.

[0010] An embodiment of the invention provides a method for selecting anew detector module as a replacement for a detector module installed ina detector in an X-ray computer tomograph, having the following steps:

[0011] a) the detector modules are manufactured using a component whichcontains a unique electronically stored identifier,

[0012] b) a data record containing the fundamental characteristics ofeach of the detector modules is created with reference to the identifierof the respective detector module,

[0013] c) the data records and the identifiers are stored in anelectronic database,

[0014] d) the identifier of the detector module to be replaced is readout electronically and the data record stored therefor is compared withthe data records of new detector modules, and

[0015] e) a new detector module is selected according to prescribedselection criteria.

[0016] By manufacturing the detector modules immediately using acomponent which contains a unique electronically stored identifier, anydamage as a result of subsequent labeling is avoided. Likewise, mix-upsare prevented.

[0017] In addition, it is possible immediately after manufacture tostart creating a detector-specific data record which contains all thefundamental data relating to manufacture. This makes it possible to findnew detector modules which are particularly similar. In this case, theselection is made according to prescribed selection criteria. Theselection criteria can be, by way of example, a prescribed similaritypattern for particular parameters, such as the drift or the persistence.Such a selection pattern may be of hierarchic structure. The selectioncan be made using the prescribed selection criteria automatically usinga computer.

[0018] In line with one advantageous refinement of the method, the datarecord is used to store information about all the fundamental processingsteps in the detector module. It is thus possible, by way of example, tostore information about the batch of scintillator elements used or othercharacteristics of components used, which characteristics influence theproperty of the detector module. In addition, the data record can beused to store the fundamental characteristics of the detector array inthe detector module. These are, by way of example, temperature-dependentparameters such as drift and persistence.

[0019] In accordance with another refinement, the data record is used tostore a value which indicates the association with one of a plurality ofprescribed quality classes. This simplifies and speeds up the finding ofdetector modules having comparable properties.

[0020] Advantageously, the component generates a time signal, and asignal containing the identifier is generated after a prescribed periodof time has elapsed. The signal can indicate, by way of example, the endof a prescribed replacement period. It is also possible to ascertain theworking hours of a detector module. It is regarded as particularlyadvantageous that the signal is transmitted to a central maintenancedevice by means of remote data transmission and is displayed there. Thisallows suitable new detector modules to be provided rapidly.

[0021] It is also conceivable for the signal to be generated even if, ina routine self-test in the computer tomograph, it is discovered that adetector module no longer satisfies prescribed properties.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Further advantages, features and details of the invention willbecome evident from the description of illustrated embodiments givenhereinbelow and the accompanying drawing, which is given by way ofillustration only and thus is not limitative of the present invention,wherein:

[0023]FIG. 1 shows a schematic cross sectional view of a detectormodule, and

[0024]FIG. 2 shows a schematic operational view of a component.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0025]FIG. 1 shows a schematic cross section of a detector module. Aphotodiode array 2 is mounted on a printed circuit board 1. Bonded ontothe photodiode array 2 are scintillator elements 3, which are preferablymanufactured from a scintillator ceramic. 4 denotes a collimator. Acomponent 5 is mounted on the underside of the printed circuit board 1,the underside being opposite the photodiode array 2. The component 5stores data, particularly a unique identifier for the detector module.The component 5 can be shielded by a metal plate (not shown in thiscase) fitted on the reverse of the printed circuit board. This preventsany malfunction of the component 5 as a result of ingressive X-rayradiation.

[0026]FIG. 2 schematically shows the operation of the component 5. Thecomponent is of particularly simple design. The voltage required foroperating the component 5 and the data transmission can in this case beprovided by way of a single electrical connection 6. The component 5 isconnected to ground by means of a further electrical connection 7. Acomponent which is suitable for the purposes of the inventive method isdescribed, by way of example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,994,770, the entiredisclosure content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

1. A method for selecting a new detector module as a replacement for adetector module installed in a detector in an X-ray computer tomograph,comprising: a) manufacturing the detector modules using a componentwhich contains a unique electronically stored identifiers; b) creating adata record, containing the fundamental characteristics of each of thedetector modules, with reference to the identifier of the respectivedetector modules; c) storing the data records and the identifiers in anelectronic databases; d) reading the identifier, of the detector moduleto be replaced, out electronically and comparing the correspondinglystored data record with the data records of new detector modules,; ande) selecting a new detector module according to prescribed selectioncriteria.
 2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the data recordis used to store information about all the fundamental processing stepsin the detector module.
 3. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein thedata record is used to store the fundamental characteristics of adetector array in the detector module.
 4. The method as claimed in claim1, wherein the data record is used to store a value which indicates theassociation with one of a plurality of prescribed quality classes. 5.The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the component generates a timesignal, and a signal containing the identifier is generated after aprescribed period of time has elapsed.
 6. The method as claimed in claim1, wherein the signal is transmitted to a central maintenance device bymeans of remote data transmission and is displayed there.
 7. The methodas claimed in claim 2, wherein the data record is used to store thefundamental characteristics of a detector array in the detector module.8. The method as claimed in claim 2, wherein the data record is used tostore a value which indicates the association with one of a plurality ofprescribed quality classes.
 9. The method as claimed in claim 3, whereinthe data record is used to store a value which indicates the associationwith one of a plurality of prescribed quality classes.
 10. The method asclaimed in claim 2, wherein the component generates a time signal, and asignal containing the identifier is generated after a prescribed periodof time has elapsed.
 11. The method as claimed in claim 2, wherein thesignal is transmitted to a central maintenance device by means of remotedata transmission and is displayed there.
 12. The method as claimed inclaim 3, wherein the component generates a time signal, and a signalcontaining the identifier is generated after a prescribed period of timehas elapsed.
 13. The method as claimed in claim 3, wherein the signal istransmitted to a central maintenance device by means of remote datatransmission and is displayed there.
 14. The method as claimed in claim4, wherein the component generates a time signal, and a signalcontaining the identifier is generated after a prescribed period of timehas elapsed.
 15. The method as claimed in claim 4, wherein the signal istransmitted to a central maintenance device by means of remote datatransmission and is displayed there.